Grave markers Normandy American Cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer, France, above photo.Temporary graves were marked with a simple wooden cross with an identification plate attached to the center as shown in the above photo. This photo was taken behind Omaha Beach in 1951 by Life Magazine, 6 years after World War Two at what is now known as the Normandy American Cemetery Colleville-sur-Mer, France. Permanent stone markers were added several years later.

Identification Tag, above photo.Temporary graves were marked with a simple wooden cross with an identification plate attached to the center. In addition to the identification plate, the service members' identification tag was also affixed to the cross. Once a permanent stone marker could be erected or the service members' remains could be relocated, the original wooden cross would be removed and destroyed by incineration. This identification or "dog" tag was found in the vicinity of Carentan, Normandy France.The identification tag is made of steel and marked:Joseph J Kinnon 31132047 T-42-43 (Tetanus shot administered 1942 and 1943)C (Catholic religion).

HISTORY OF JOSEPH J KINNON

Joseph J. Kinnon entered service on May 27th 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. Corporal Kinnon served as a medic and was Killed-in-Action (KIA) on July 30th 1944 while serving in the Medical Detachment, 117th Infantry Regiment, 30th Infantry Division in Normandy, France.He was 27 years old at the time of his death.When Corporal Joseph F. Kinnon’s casket arrived by train in Malden, his six brothers who also served in World War II were there to greet him. Albert, Richard, and Lawrence Kinnon served in the Army while Robert, James, and Clement Kinnon served in the Navy.

The 30th Infantry Division landed across Omaha Beach, Normandy France on June 10th 1944. The 120th Infantry Regiment captured Montmartin-en-Graignes the following day and then defended the Vire-Taute Canal line. The 117th Infantry Regiment attacked the Vire and the 120th Infantry Regiment assaulted across the Vire-Taute Canal on July 7th 1944, establishing a bridgehead at St Jean-de-Day which the 3rd Armored Division exploited. As the division advanced on St. Lo, it checked a German counter attack along the main Hauts-Vents highway on July 11th 1944 and Pont Hebert fell after protracted fighting on July 14th. Patrols reached Periers-St Lo road on July 18th and the division attacked across it on July 25th to drive beyond St Lo during Operation Cobra. The division took well defended Troisgots on July 31st 1944.Corporal Joseph J. Kinnon was Killed in Action on July 30th 1944.